Times Reporter: Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine wants to ban flavored tobacco
Political scientist David Niven weighs in on current discussions around banning flavored nicotine
According to an article in the "Times Reporter", due to the rise of teen vaping, Governor Mike DeWine would like all flavored tobacco banned, while some legislators prefer more wiggle room for consumers to decide.
"This is another example of the ultimate irony of iron-clad Republican control," University of Cincinnati political scientist David Niven is cited in the article as saying. "They are not all on the same page, and realistically they are not all on the same team."
The non-consensus Niven says is typical of Republican leadership, but that DeWine himself has been consistent on legislating behaviors he feels are harmful to public health: tobacco, recreational marijuana or even abortion.
Niven, an associate professor in UC’s School of Public and International Affairs, is an often-cited media resource. He teaches American politics, and conducts research on campaigns, political communication, and death penalty policy.
Featured image at top courtesy of Unplash/Bonhorst
Impact Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.
Related Stories
Pocket-sized population threat
May 18, 2026
The Financial Times took a deep dive into why populations around the world continue to be on the decline. The publication cited new University of Cincinnati research as part of the investigation that looks at the fall of fertility in the digital era.
Colorado silica dust trial could change the way industry does business
May 17, 2026
Betsy Malloy, Andrew Katsanis Professor of Law, at the University of Cincinnati, spoke with Bloomberg Law about how a Colorado trial could change the way the stone fabrication industry does business.
Will a gas tax help lower prices at the pump?
May 14, 2026
WCPO recently reported on Kentucky and Indiana’s steps to combat surging gas prices, cutting and suspending state gas taxes, respectively. UC economist Michael Jones explained the impact on Cincinnati.